Craft and Micro are correlated, but not interchangeable. Micro is small by definition, based on annual production. Craft is more of an attitude, and thus harder to define. However, the working definition of Craft applies to the smallest brewers. Brewery size is classified by annual barrels of output: Pico, Nano, Micro, Small, Large, and (Ginormous Inter-Galactic Mega-) Macro. ANNUAL BEER PRODUCTION (these thresholds change often and vary by source) 1. Macro > 100 million bbls (think MillerCoors or A-B InBev) 2. Large 5 million to 100 million bbls (Pabst, Yeungling, FX Matt) 3. Small 0.5 million to 5 million bbls (Boston Beer Co. and Sierra Nevada) 4. Micro 0.5 k to 500 k bbls (Southern Tier, Bear Republic, DC Brau) 5. Nano < 0.5 k bbl, or up to 160 batches on a 3 bbl system per year (Chocolate City) 6. Pico essentially, a homebrewer who decides to make beer for sale and trades the good old 5-gallon brewhouse for a 3 bbl system (Adroit Theory). Large i.e., not Craft brewers trying to get in on the craft beer movement have coined the term "Crafty" for small batch brews made in huge, industrial breweries. MillerCoors will never again be seen as small, independent, or traditional, but they hope beer lovers will think their Blue Moon is close enough to "craft" to profit from the market's interest in craft. Naturally, the real small, independent, and traditional brewers who lack the deep pockets of a MillerCoors are not so happy about this. This is a good read: http://business.time.com/2012/12/27/trouble-brewing-the-craft-beer-vs-crafty-beer-cat-fight/ BOTTOM LINE: The term "Craft" is becoming increasingly irrelevant. If Bud Light is your drink, enjoy it. If a more esoteric brew is to your liking, then seek that out and enjoy it. Beers are different, and the beautiful qualities of a beer's color, aroma, and flavor are in the eyes, nose and palate of the beer-holder. Thanks for the question. I think this is a great discussion for the forum. Opinions may vary!

Wow...I guess these guys are keeping tabs on our thread! [;)] http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/04/02/boston-beer-top-craft-brewery-list/7161329/ http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/04/03/with-demand-for-craft-beer-growing-should-big-brew.aspx Well then...[?]

quote: Originally posted by PaulCardom What I've always wanted to know is how do people view breweries like Duvel Moortgat, Brouwerij Van Steenberge, Weihenstephaner, and Paulaner. All are 'macro' breweries in the North American sense of the term based on volumes brewed, but they all have remained true to their historical brewing recipes, but don't meet the 'Craft' definition.

For conversational purposes, I would consider those breweries you mentioned as "historical breweries" due to their age and historical impact.

I use the term "craft" on a daily basis. "Microbrew" sounds like 90's terminology to me. Craft just rolls off the tongue nicer. I don't see why both can't be used interchangeably.

quote: quote: quote: Originally posted by Phishpond417 I use the term "craft" on a daily basis. "Microbrew" sounds like 90's terminology to me. Craft just rolls off the tongue nicer. I don't see why both can't be used interchangeably.

Check Paul Cardom's post. A macro- or even behemoth-sized brewery can make beer that reveals a "craft" to their work. Paulener is a perfect example, as mentioned. Meanwhile, a small (micro-) brewery can produce cabbagy rot. This happens 90 miles to the south of me. Craft implies a trade, skill, and precision. Micro is a unit of size. So, depending on one's interpretation, I suppose that Budweiser could be considered "craft" beer because it reveals a great deal of precision and control in order to produce that volume of identical cans/bottles of beer. However, even by that definition, there is nothing "micro-" about a Budweiser bottling plant.

quote: Originally posted by jlozier quote: quote: quote: quote: Originally posted by Phishpond417 I use the term "craft" on a daily basis. "Microbrew" sounds like 90's terminology to me. Craft just rolls off the tongue nicer. I don't see why both can't be used interchangeably. Check Paul Cardom's post. A macro- or even behemoth-sized brewery can make beer that reveals a "craft" to their work. Paulener is a perfect example, as mentioned. Meanwhile, a small (micro-) brewery can produce cabbagy rot. This happens 90 miles to the south of me. Craft implies a trade, skill, and precision. Micro is a unit of size. So, depending on one's interpretation, I suppose that Budweiser could be considered "craft" beer because it reveals a great deal of precision and control in order to produce that volume of identical cans/bottles of beer. However, even by that definition, there is nothing "micro-" about a Budweiser bottling plant.

LOL. I wish I didn't know to whom you were referring. [xx(]

I guess it's like what Bill Shakespeare wrote "A beer by any other name is still a beer"!

quote: Originally posted by Fishingfast I guess it's like what Bill Shakespeare wrote "A beer by any other name is still a beer"!

I use craft and micro interchangeably. I do say nano for tiny operations.

quote: Originally posted by Fishingfast I guess it's like what Bill Shakespeare wrote "A beer by any other name is still a beer"!

Ah yes, good ol' Romey-ale and Gueuze-ette.

Just looking at the Mammoth Brewing Real McCoy in my hand, and I noticed the word "handcrafted." Talk about using sale-driven language! A wooden chess piece can be handcrafted. A ceramic vase can be handcrafted. Unless you can make gallons of liquid boil in your hands, your beer is not handcrafted. Sure sounds good though.